New Doctors of BC policy resolution calls for elimination of sick notes

For many years, Doctors of BC has publicly advocated for the elimination of routine sick note requests (for colds or the flu, etc.) made by employers in British Columbia. In April 2024, Doctors of BC’s Board of Directors approved a policy resolution that recommends the provincial government restrict the ability for employers to request their staff obtain a sick note from their doctor for medical absences. In certain circumstances, such as prolonged absence from work, or if a doctor can provide meaningful insight into an employee’s condition, a sick note would be appropriate. In these instances, however, the cost of the sick note should be covered by the employer, not the employee.

The background

Providing sick notes to satisfy an employer’s absenteeism policy is not a productive use of a doctor’s time, placing an unnecessary burden on the healthcare system. Most employees who require sick notes also work in low wage positions, creating inequity.

Doctors of BC has been public in its advocacy in this area, including media comments from past presidents and a 2018 submission to the BC Law Institute. In 2022, Provincial Health Officer Dr Bonnie Henry said that employees do not need a sick note from their doctor to return to work.  

The policy resolution

Doctors of BC’s approved resolution is the first formal organizational policy on this issue, and will allow for more robust advocacy by the Association and its representatives:

“Doctors of BC believes that requirements for employees to provide sick notes to satisfy an employer’s medical absenteeism policy is often an inefficient use of physicians’ time, places an avoidable burden on health sector resources, and unnecessarily exposes the population to communicable diseases by forcing ill patients to leave their homes. As such, Doctors of BC recommends that the provincial government restrict public and private sector employers’ ability to require sick notes to circumstances where a patient has taken extended leave and where a physician can provide meaningful clinical insight.”

In a health care system that is already overburdened, requiring sick notes contradicts advice to British Columbians to use the health care system efficiently and when needed. Doctors of BC urges employers to do away with this practice.

What’s next?

Until formal legislative changes occur in BC, employer requests for sick notes will likely continue. Legislative change is possible and has already happened in Nova Scotia where employers are only allowed to request a sick note under certain conditions, and in Ontario legislation will be tabled that would eliminate the need for a doctor's note, although employers will still be able to request another form of evidence that an employee is ill.

Doctors of BC will continue to advocate—supported by the new resolution—for real change at the government level, to reduce physician burdens, support patient safety, and improve the efficiency of health care in British Columbia.

Want to learn more about our policy work? Visit our Policy Database to learn more.